The Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at P.B. Siddhartha Arts and Science College, Vijayawada, launched a 24-hour hackathon for students. Associate professor B. Jyothsna Devi urged students to gain technical skills and use technology to improve life. Robotic research engineer and HackBots CEO S.R.K. Mahan said, "Students who continuously enhance their skills would have a bright future." Mr. Mahan inaugurated a new Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Lab under the college's Centre of Excellence. The college signed a three-year MoU with HackBots to provide students with training in robotics and AI, and support startup incubation and innovation. Around 200 engineering and university students from Visakhapatnam and Chennai are competing. There are 20 teams in AI and machine learning, 15 teams in app development, and 40 teams in open innovation. Winners will share cash prizes worth ₹60,000 for completing tasks. College convener N. Lalita Prasad, director Vemuri Baburao, principal Meka Ramesh, and head of data science K. Udayasree attended the event.